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There aren't enough hours in the day for student and award-winning businesswoman, Shahnaz Kayani.

As well as studying full-time on an Access to Education course at the University of Bolton, Shahnaz manages her successful chain of five convenience stores in the North Manchester area.

In October her commitment and business skills were recognised when she was named Retailer of the Year in the Bestway Group's Retail Development Awards.

Shahnaz built up her One Stop Saver business after buying a small newsagents shop 15 years ago. With increased sales she was able to buy more outlets and expand the business.

Yet in spite of her continued success in the retail world, Shahnaz insists that the opportunities offered by education are essential for personal and professional development. Both her children are at university – her daughter is studying law at Bolton and her son is an economics student at Queen Mary, University of London.

'It has always been my ambition to go into higher education' said Shahnaz. 'As my children are growing up I decided that it's my time now. Hopefully the access course at Bolton is just the first step. I'm planning to go on to further study, either on a business course or community studies, and then I intend to use my learning to further develop my business.'

Shahnaz admits that it's hard work. 'Studying for 2 to 3 hours most evenings after spending a full day in classes at university or running the business is hard going' she said. 'But so far it's been worth it. From a young age I was taught that a positive outlook and hard work are the keys to success and this has been true for me. But I've still got plenty to learn and I'm enjoying the new experience of university study.'